On-demand reversible electronic switching of quantum materials' topological state achieved in a single crystal, for energy-efficient electronics

https://phys.org/news/2025-12-demand-electronic-topology-crystal.html

"topological currents protected by symmetry have significantly less dissipation (energy waste)... addition or subtraction of electrical charge drives reversible topological transition: initial OFF non-conductor insulator: modifying antimony/ tellurium ratio changes electron count/ lattice arrangement, disrupting symmetry, opening energy gap... switching ON metal conductor: depositing thin potassium layer donates electrons, restoring symmetry... restoring OFF: heating removes potassium, returns to initial insulating state"